Speed Racer From Secret Harbour
AKA press release
When Josh Wood was four years old Santa brought him a go-kart, a present that started his love affair with the sport of karting.
Next weekend (October 1-3) the Scottish youngster, who has resided in Secret Harbour for the past two years, will be aiming to expand on his ever-growing racing resume when he competes in the 2010 KTEQ Rentals Western Australian Championships.
Above: Josh Wood leading the way at the Queesnland Championships in Mackay recently
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Paul Carruthers
In the past 12 months Wood has been crowned the Western Australian and Northern Territory State Champion along with qualifying fastest in the Queensland titles during July. However, it is not just the winning that drives the 11 year-old Secret Harbour Primary School student.
“I just love driving. I dream that one day I could become a Formula One driver and if I can’t do that I really just want to drive something for a job – I don’t care what it is, I just want to drive,” said Wood.
When quizzed about his favourite driver Wood was quite philosophical in his response.
“When Michael Schumacher was in his prime, a few years ago, he was the greatest but now not so much. I’d have to say that my favourites are either Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton.”
Such is Wood’s passion for the sport, and his parents John and Caroline for that matter, they travelled more than 14,000km during July to compete at several events across the country.
This weekend’s event however, is a lot closer to home with the championship being held at the Cockburn International Karting Raceway in Henderson. It also marks the next step in Wood’s flourishing career as he makes the move into the Rookies category.
“All of my racing until earlier this month was in the Midgets category, now that I’m 11 I can move into the Rookies. I still use the same kart but a different engine,” said Wood.
“A couple of weeks ago in the shakedown race I finished second, so I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”
While the racing side of the sport is what excites Wood the most, the lessons learnt while competing is what gives his mother the most satisfaction.
“Josh is still five years away from getting his road licence but he has already got a lot of knowledge about how a car works along with the consequences of making a mistake behind the wheel,” said Caroline.
“When he does go for his road licence I think he’ll be more sensible and like many other kids in the sport of karting will have benefited from the discipline required to race karts. It is this discipline that will held them be more conscious drivers on the road.”
Qualifying for the state championships will begin on Friday (October 1) ahead of the heat races on Saturday (October 2) and the championship finals on Sunday (October 3).
